Name: Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups raw unsalted nuts (pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, almonds); 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (heaping and packed); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt; scant ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 heaping tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (finely chopped) or 2 ¼ teaspoons crushed dried rosemary; 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar; 2 teaspoons flaky Maldon sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 16 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, flavorful, and just a little bit addictive, you have to try this Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy that I turn to whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself after a long day. The aroma filling your kitchen while these nuts roast? Totally worth the wait, and once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor Blend: The mix of sweet maple and brown sugar with savory spices hits every craving note.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the cayenne pepper, so it’s as mild or spicy as you like.
Simple, Minimal Ingredients: No complicated steps or unusual ingredients, just good nuts and great flavor.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for parties, gift-giving, or an everyday treat to keep on hand.

Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts, spiced nut recipe, crunchy roasted nuts, easy nut snacks, homemade spiced nuts - The image shows a white bowl lined with white parchment paper filled with a mix of roasted nuts including cashews, pecans, and peanuts, all golden brown with a slight shine from oil or seasoning. The nuts are heaped in the bowl, covering the entire surface. Next to the bowl is a small dark bowl with coarse salt and black pepper. A soft light blue cloth is casually placed on the white marbled surface beside the bowl. The scene looks clean and simple with natural daylight. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe come together like a flavor dream team. Each one adds a unique touch that makes these nuts stand out—from the earthiness of fresh rosemary to the warm, smoky cinnamon-like cumin. And don’t worry about fancy nuts; you can mix and match whichever raw varieties you love.

Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts, spiced nut recipe, crunchy roasted nuts, easy nut snacks, homemade spiced nuts - Flat lay of a natural mix of raw pecans, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds, a small piece of unsalted butter, a few fresh rosemary sprigs with finely chopped leaves in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of amber pure maple syrup, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of ground cumin, a small white bowl of bright red cayenne pepper powder, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of golden turbinado sugar, a few flakes of Maldon sea salt, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raw Unsalted Nuts: Choosing raw and unsalted means you control the saltiness and flavor; plus, it lets the spices really shine through.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the spices evenly coat every nut.
Pure Maple Syrup: Brings a lovely natural sweetness and helps the seasoning stick.
Fresh Rosemary Leaves: Fresh is best for that fragrant, piney aroma; dried works too if finely crushed.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and depth with moisture to help seasonings stick.
Ground Cumin: Provides warmth and earthiness without overpowering.
Cayenne Pepper: A little heat kick that you can adjust to your liking.
Coarse Sea Salt: Crunchy bursts of salt balance the sweetness perfectly.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a subtle pungency that rounds out the spice profile.
Optional Turbinado Sugar & Maldon Sea Salt: For an extra glam finishing touch of crunch and sparkle.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing up the types of nuts depending on what’s in my pantry, but you should totally feel free to experiment with your favorites too. This Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe is super forgiving—so tweak the spice levels or swap rosemary for thyme if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s all about making this snack suit your taste buds perfectly.

Variation: Once, I swapped rosemary for smoked paprika and it gave the nuts a smoky twist that blew me away.
Heat Level Adjustment: If you prefer mild snacks, I recommend starting with half the cayenne and increasing gradually.
Nut Selection: Feel free to use all cashews or stick to walnuts—each brings a unique texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Space

Start by positioning your oven rack in the center and preheating the oven to 350°F. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes clean-up a breeze but also helps the nuts roast evenly without sticking. I always take a moment here to gather all my ingredients, so everything flows smoothly once I start mixing.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Infuse with Flavor

I usually melt the butter on the stovetop over medium-low heat, then stir in the fresh rosemary and let it infuse for about a minute — trust me, that aroma is magic. After removing from heat, I stir in the maple syrup to balance that savory richness with sweetness. You can also microwave if you’re short on time; just be careful not to burn the butter.

Step 3: Season the Nuts

Next, toss your raw nuts in a big bowl with brown sugar, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. I like using my hands at this point to really mix everything well. Then, drizzle over your fragrant rosemary butter and stir until every nut is glistening with that spiced coating.

Step 4: Roast and Stir

Spread the nuts out evenly on your baking sheet, then pop them in the oven for 10 minutes. After that, take them out and give them a good stir — this simple step helps them roast evenly, so no sad burnt bits! Back in the oven they go for another 5-8 minutes, just until you catch that toasty aroma and see a lovely golden tint. Keep an eye near the end, because nuts can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches & Cool

Once roasted, I like to sprinkle a bit of turbinado sugar and flakey Maldon sea salt over the warm nuts for a delightful crunch and hint of extra sweetness and saltiness—this step is totally optional but so worth it if you like a little sparkle. After giving them a final stir, spread them out and let them cool on the pan for about 15 minutes. They’ll crisp up as they cool, making them irresistible!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Avoid Overcrowding: Spread nuts in a single layer so they roast evenly without steaming.
Watch the Clock: Nuts can burn quickly, so keep an eye especially in the last few minutes.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh herbs and good-quality spices make all the difference in flavor.
Make Ahead Friendly: These taste even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight!

How to Serve Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe

Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts, spiced nut recipe, crunchy roasted nuts, easy nut snacks, homemade spiced nuts - A close-up image shows a mix of nuts spilling out from a red-striped container onto a dark surface. The nuts include cashews, pecans, walnuts, and peanuts, all roasted to a golden-brown color and lightly seasoned with small bits of herbs and spices, creating a textured and crunchy look. A sprig of fresh rosemary rests near the nuts, adding a touch of green to the warm palette. The white marbled texture background highlights the rich colors of the nuts and container, giving the scene a fresh, natural feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often garnish my roasted nuts with a fresh sprig of rosemary — it adds a beautiful touch and reinforces that lovely piney aroma. If you want to go all out, a light drizzle of honey or a dusting of smoked paprika brings a lovely visual and flavor pop.

Side Dishes

These nuts pair wonderfully with cheese boards, especially alongside sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese. They also elevate simple salads or spiced roasted veggies. Honestly, serving them alongside bowls of olives and crusty bread makes for a quick and delightful appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted these nuts in cute mason jars topped with twine and personalized tags—talk about an easy homemade present that’ll score compliments! For parties, transferring them to small ceramic bowls sprinkled with paprikas or fresh herbs makes a colorful centerpiece snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store these nuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for about a week—although I have to confess, they usually don’t last that long around here!

Freezing

I’ve found freezing roasted nuts works well if you want to keep them longer. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temp—no reheating needed, though a few minutes in a warm oven revives their crunch beautifully.

Reheating

If your nuts have lost a bit of their crispness, simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crunch without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted or roasted nuts instead of raw nuts?

For the best flavor control and even roasting, I recommend using raw, unsalted nuts. Salted or pre-roasted nuts may result in uneven seasoning and can end up too salty or overcooked.
How spicy is this Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe?

The spice level really depends on your cayenne pepper amount. The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon, which is a gentle heat. I always suggest starting small and adding more if you want a bigger kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, these nuts develop deeper flavor after resting a few hours or overnight. Just store them in an airtight container once cooled.
What other spices can I try?

If you want to experiment, smoked paprika, cinnamon, or even a pinch of nutmeg add interesting twists. Feel free to swap fresh rosemary for dried thyme or oregano too!

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Oven-Roasted Nuts Recipe feels like an old friend in my kitchen—simple to whip up, delightful to munch on, and versatile enough for any occasion. I love how it fills the room with warmth and invites everyone to snack. I know once you try it, it’ll become your go-to too, whether for cozy nights in, last-minute gatherings, or gifting. Give it a shot—you’ll be so glad you did!